Review of F4 Customs windshield for 2018 Goldwing GL1800

[@MemphisMike901]

Cleaning with a PAPER Towel and Glass Cleaner is a HUGE Plus in my Book. I also have the F4 Cleaner as well. Also..every once in a while as suggested by F4, clean it with Paper towel and Alcohol(not Moonshine 🤣) to restore the water shedding properties. The F4 is SO Clear as well. Mine looks as good today as it did new 3 years ago with the exception of taking a few small rocks and road degree....BUT....no scratches or Swirl marks from cleaning. This was a GREAT video and I know what you had to go thru to make this....an Installation of 3 Windscreens!!!!!! The 16" is probably something I would like if I owned a 2018..I am 5'9" and I REALLY dig that Sporty look! Thanks again.

[@qroadrunner1996]

MM I’m 5’8” myself how does that 16” affect your passenger

[@MemphisMike901]

CLEVELAND COLEMAN my wife never really complained honestly. I have since put a Klockwerks on bike now. She gets a little more air she says

[@qroadrunner1996]

MemphisMike ok cool which one did you like the best Klockwerk or F4

[@MemphisMike901]

CLEVELAND COLEMAN clarity of F4, but Air flow of Klockwerks

[@jamesbottger5894]

It's personal preference, but I won't touch any of the paint, or plexiglass on my bike with anything but micro fiber cloths. I have had paper towels scratch both before.

[@timaddams1880]

purchase the 20 inch wide last year 2022.and wanted to ride an entire season before i did a review..i couldn't be happier ...the gentleman in this video is tall so i wanted to give you the perspective of my experience being 5.9 tall.....so with the screen all the way up the top of the screen will be 4.0 to 4.5 inches above your eye level looking straight and looking through the screen .and yes very clear no distortion BUT heres the great thing ...there is a slight re curve at the top of the screen (20inch)..so placing about 1.5 to two inches UNDER your eye level gives you all the wind protection you need AND you are NOT even looking through the screen at that point your looking over it comfortably . and NO BUFFETING ON THE HELMET DUE TO THE SLIGHT RE CURVE ..that's so key at least for me.(if you road the F6B GOLDWING you know buffeting lol) ....if its a windy day and your at highway speed and into the wind you want the screen all the way up ...100% protected from wind. so at 5.9 or even 5.10 tall the 20 inch wide will do great things for your ride and is with you want....also that heat vortex that would hover from your waist to your face is no longer present with the new goldwing design and there is good cross airflow coming across you at least with the screen i got so even on a warm day you got air movement ACROSS YOU not into you... .also there clam to use windex/alcohol and paper towels is also correct..gotta tell you it feels weird as we all know thats not done on a typical screen and is a real nono...but for real it does work no scratches of fogging ..just follow there directions and instructions and you will be fine ..... the man i dealt with i think was the owner was absolutely awsum ...very informative and willing to answer your questions without rushing you...im sure you will be happy with him too... i would buy this product again and will and would also suggest it to my closest friends who ride..

[@dennism665]

Just popped for the 20” non-tinted for my 2018 Tour. After two years with the narrow stock, it took 75 miles to get used to the wider look, but it’s a very nice upgrade. Was also surprised to learn Don moved from Ohio to Punta Gorda, FL. four months ago. Just one hour away so I rode down for an install. Don and Kim are a class act with a great product. Highly recommend.

[@alp3781]

I just got mine and installed it on my 2020 DCT Tour. I must say, not cheap accessory, however really pays. I do feel a big improvement from Honda's garbage screen. It is not only Honda, it is even BMW and others as well. I do not get it. I ordered the 20" and glad i did. it looks good, it came super clean, no scratches or marks. And more importantly, it fits my 6'4'. I raise it now on hwys right below nose level and it is perfect all around. Thank you again for a great video.

[@johnsimmons5363]

Having the windshield lower than eyelevel is great plus in heavy fog light rain conditions. I just bought a 2018 Goldwing in Redland, CA and rode it home to Orlando area. Thank you Honda for the ability to raise and lower the windshield!!! The windshield at the high lever was impossible to see thru, had to lower below eye level so my face shield could shed water sticking to everything....just something to keep in mind...Safety first!!!

[@roadglide]

Optically correct materials used in these F4’s. Wonderful product! Excellent review Cruiseman. Thank you for posting.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I have owned Honda, Tulsa and V-Stream and the F4 Customs has the best optics of any of them.

[@stephensmith60]

I've been riding with the 20" F4 (Tinted) for over a year. Today it's coming off and going in the trash. Mine has this re-curve and I find it very distorting (dangerous.) I've always had a problem with it. I finally experienced such distortion of a car in front of me that I almost crashed into it. The car made a sudden stop to turn left into a driveway, on a country road, and I couldn't stop in time. I was going 60 and was several hundred yards behind the car, but I didn't see anything indication that it was going to stop or turn, and I'm looking straight ahead. I actually had to go around the car on the right and into the grass area. This could have ended quite differently. Now I understand why Tinted windshields aren't allowed on cars or truck; they distort brake lights, especially if you're color-blind, like me! This is another thing to consider when looking to replace your windshield. Knock-off manufacturers aren't always aware of these issues, nor are they governed (regulated) for all safety measures. My advise: stay away from Tinted, re-curve windshields, entirely!

[@tjrosario9439]

I've had a +2 on my 2012 for about 5 years. It's taken plenty of abuse and it is still as clear as the first day I installed it.Jury is still out whether or not the 2018 upgrade is for me.

[@edwardkellar8835]

Watched this video, and ordered the 20” clear windscreen. Installed and took a test drive, and it provides way more wind protection than the stock screen. Thanks for the comparison of of 3 screens. Riding the 2018 tour model to Wings over Houston Airshow, and will update how the screen performs on a long ride.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I think you will love it. Look forward to your long ride review.

[@edwardkellar8835]

Cruiseman's Garage This windscreen is much better than the stock one. Rode about 250 miles Sunday, and with the screen full up, it keeps the wind off of you when needed. Bug clean up was a snap. I highly recommend this windscreen for the 2018 GL1800.

[@jallen309]

Bought the 20 inch wide w/tint. Sits at the highest OEM position when all the way down. Way too much wind noise, worse than with stock. Ready to get off the bike when looking over the top. Get a headache. May go back to the OEM screen. A lot of money for something that will probably just stay boxed up.

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Does it scratch the windshield where it touches the small wing? Thanks Cruiseman!

[@Ruleof2plus1]

I like the idea it's way down below eye level, there is nothing worse than those 4 foot high windshields that you have to look through. Sound like the F4 is a good option. Sure like this new sport profile of the 2018 bikes. Nice job Mr Cruiseman.

[@wflentge]

I installed the taller screen on my 2019 Tour a few weeks ago and enjoy the taller and wider profile. It does a better job of keeping the wind off of me. However, I am not pleased with the water shedding properties of the product. I cleaned the shield several times with the paper and the F4 cleaner before it rained here, Phx, AZ area. I had to reach 60 MPH before the rain started beading and flowed off the screen. I will give the paper and alcohol cleaning next time it rains and see if the shedding property improves. I really miss the Tulsa shields that I had on my previous '97 and '10 Wings. Overall I would rate the shield at 5 out of 10 due the poor water shedding ability and the very expensive price.

[@jamesbottger5894]

My bike came (used) with a Klock Werks windshield that was curved at the top. With the windshield all the way up, the curved part was right in my line of sight, and because it's curved, the view is distorted. It was also smoke colored which I don't like at all. I ended up trading it for a EOM windshield with someone on the GW site. Wind protection seems as good as the KW, and the vision through this clear windshield is much better...

[@gsharp7763]

Great video. I have the F4 on my 08 wing and there was another reason for using it...the strength of the lens is much better than stock and I want the protection from debris.

[@spkuse]

I'm getting my seat sent into RDL this month to get modified. Once it returns I will find out if I need the 20 or 24 in screen. I'm also 6-2.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I could easily have stuck with the 20" and been perfectly happy. In fact, I like the looks of it better than the 24, but decided to stick with the 24.

[@lance3613]

Did you get your seat back and have you made a decision between the 20" and the 24"?

[@oklahomahank2378]

I would rather look over. I am 6’3” with a long torso. The 20” stock seems plenty tall all the way up, but in winter maybe taller would be good. Is the 24” wider? It looks about the same.

[@cruisemansgarage]

They are all about the same width.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Every F4 Customs is about 4" wider than stock.

[@oklahomahank2378]

Cruiseman's Garage Do you use the Aerolon on it or the F4 cleaner?

[@cruisemansgarage]

@@oklahomahank2378 Really no need to use it on the F4 because of its inherent water-shedding ability. It won't hurt it, just no benefit to using it.

[@larrywitt4315]

Something not mentioned in the video is how much wind protection is the passenger going to get. My wife complains about severe buffeting with the stock windshield. Will the F4 tall and wide make her happy?

[@ndfan77]

A word of caution to those that are also 6'2" and thinking (based on this review) that they should be able to easily see over the 24" windscreen. I'm 6'2" and found after receiving the 24" F4 custom windscreen that I couldn't see over the windscreen (when fully lowered) as well as this review seems to imply. The first 100' to 200' of road are viewed through the windscreen, and the remaining road is visible above the windscreen. For me, the top of the 24" windscreen in the lowest position interferes too much with the field of view that matters the most. Which, leaves me wishing there was a 22" version of the windscreen...

[@brianhudson7058]

Good info thanks, since I’ve had my 2018 DCT I’ve been wondering how affective the flimsy retractable air deflector is on top of the dash, seems somewhat of a waste, please enlighten me on its purpose and function thank you

[@fouledanchor06]

It's there to channel air to the rider if the windshield is raised. At highway speeds you can feel some air coming through, but don't expect it to be very effective on really hot days.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Brian, I wonder the same thing myself. I notice very little difference when it is up or down. Others have said they can tell a big difference, but not me. I think that space could be used for something more functional.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I find a small difference. Worthwhile, just not amazing.

[@Diap842IV]

Perhaps an update regarding gas mileage difference, if any, would be good info to know. I would assume a screen that is both taller and wider would increase drag, taking more power and this more fuel.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Interesting theory, however, I could not tell any difference between my 20" Honda and 24" Honda screens. I keep close tabs on mileage, so I will update later.

[@pechorin1975]

Don't know about the Wing, but I have had it make a difference elsewhere. You could literally watch the instant mileage indicator change by 2-3 MPGs on my Concours 14 as you moved the windshield up and down on the highway (I was using a considerably smaller than stock shield, though, FWIW).

[@thomastremblay2133]

The 16in might be a nice summer shield for TX and other high temp climates.

[@donrbishop]

I have been using the F4 on my 2010 Goldwing Trike. I added some air deflectors and I do not have any wind hitting me. I use plain water to clean it and the bugs come right off. I installed the 24 inch model. Good review!

[@andrewciannella2290]

Has any wind tunnel testing been done on all 3 wind screens

[@cruisemansgarage]

I doubt there are any motorcycle windshields that are wind tunnel tested because of the expense involved. Perhaps sport bike windshields for MotoGP?

[@WJJ3rd]

Do the wider shields keep the wind off your hands? TIA.

[@ZZ-rk8zu]

Are all their windshields Dot Certified? Some States require that for their state inspections.. That windshield needs to have the Dot stamp--lower right hand corner, like the stock one!.... You don't mention that..

[@rayyillik968]

It’d be interesting to know if the wider windscreen reduces gas mileage.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I will keep an eye one it. But, I wondered the same about my Honda Tall windscreen and never saw a difference.

[@PedersonFamilyAdventures]

As best I can tell, I do not see a "how to install video" for the 2018's and later. Is the stock difficult to take off and... is the F4, difficult to install? TY

[@rollingstone3017]

How about the wind coming around the screen? I guess what I'm asking is: have you any experience with the VStream windshield to compare with this F4, specifically how it silences the drumming sound of the wind? I prefer wearing 3/4 helmets or even half helmets, so maybe that is more of my problem.

[@kylestoddard7911]

On the older goldwing .. 2001-2017 will the f6b wimd shield work on a regular GW

[@duanebentley2195]

Thanks for the great review. Apparently at maximum extension, the 20" with the recurve approximates 22" of wind coverage compared to the 24", with no recurve. Did you notice a difference in wind effect for that 2" difference in height?

[@cruisemansgarage]

Duane, hard to really tell a difference. I suspect there might be a bit more protection from the 24" for the passenger.

[@lance3613]

@@cruisemansgarage So if you do not have a passenger then the 20" with re-curve would be just fine. At 6'4" wit a 32" inseam I prefer look over the windshield vs through it. I caught a comment you made about the 24" in its lowest position you felt wind in your eyes, although it wasn't annoying. But you seemed to really like the protection on your sides and no head buffeing of the 20" recurve in the full up position. I'm guessing, but I still value your opinion because you've had the opportunity to test all 3 windshields, that a 20" with re-curve would be just fine for me. Thank you for the video. 👍

[@cruisemansgarage]

@@lance3613 At 6' 2" tall I can see over the F4+4 at just about every position except for the very highest setting. At 6-4, you should have no trouble at all seeing over the F4+4 and you would get max wind protection.

[@jeffreyscoggins9825]

Thanks. Now to decide being 6'2" wish the made a 22 with curve.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I am 6'1" and the 20" recurve seemed to handle just fine. A lot depends on your inseam. I am a 32.

[@danielorourke9857]

Does the F4 windshield help the passenger wind protection? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Thank you for the content! I like the idea of that 24" F4 windscreen.

[@tjnaj1126]

What jacket and size jacket are you wearing at the 10 minute mark? Great looking jacket!

[@cruisemansgarage]

An Olympia AirGlide. I have a Large.

[@finnmeckelborg]

Nice video - thanks for good reviews. I have now bought a 24" F4. In the installation description it is written that the winglets (side wind protectors) can be excluded. Do you have any experience with riding without these winglets? Do they have any mission when you run an F4 with wider screen?

[@cruisemansgarage]

I still use the winglets.

[@paulmarley754]

Hi have you looked at he Puig screen at all for the 2018+ GW and feed back in that one please

[@cruisemansgarage]

Not familiar with them.

[@Hogdriver88]

I wonder what kind of stress the wider 20" and 24" models put on the attachment brackets and mechanism.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I wondered the same thing. But I think Honda over engineered the system.

[@Hogdriver88]

Good to know.

[@jmbourdon2588]

Hello Cruiseman, Great job! I enjoy watching your vlogs. Like you, I have a pearl white 2018. I'm 6'.3" and I'm still undecided between 20" and 24". What's your thought about tinted on a pearl white, especially with 24"? Does it make the screen look even bigger (possibly too big)? Thanks, --JM

[@cruisemansgarage]

Good question. I am just guessing because the tint would make the screen stand out against the white that yes, it might make it look bigger.

[@charleshill8403]

Electronics goes out for the DCT can you still pedal shift it or will you be stuck on the road someone please answer this question

[@whatsupeh1]

I’ve just finished reading through the comments and you said you might test one with your SO riding shotgun. I’m curious how well the 20” recurve would protect a passenger from the elements. I’m thinking that the recurve would create quite a rotor that would inevitably cause a lot of buffeting in the passenger’s region. Have you heard or read anything about this?

[@dalenifong2275]

Dewight, I would like to know others comments on this topic. thanks for asking. dale

[@whatsupeh1]

@@dalenifong2275; Me too.

[@lpdautube]

Hi there, once again great video. Any experience with Puig windschields ?

[@cruisemansgarage]

No, sorry

[@danaszalajeski4416]

Quick question. I’m 6’1”, still have the stock shield on my Tour, and I ride with a HJC-IS-MAX-II modular helmet. I find that with my windscreen all the way up, I don’t get no wind buffeting. however I do get a what I consider a constant forward push on the back of my helmet. Do any of y’all have that happen to you. It’s not a strong push, but noticeable. Also; Depending on how I sit with screen fully up, slouching or relaxed I look through it, good upright posture I tend to have the top of screen in my eyesight, sitting fully erect I can see over the screen. I will be purchasing an F4 in the future once I get the cash saved, but trying to figure out which length to get. Another question is, how is it for the passenger on head Head buffeting and amount of air for the passenger. My wife gets migraines very easily when riding due to any buffeting received or if she can’t get enough non turbulent air to keep cool on warm days.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I have not noticed the back-of-the-head push you describe. If you don't mind looking through the windshield, the 24" will give max protection, otherwise, go with the 20" recurve.

[@aug9301]

Thanks for the information. I'm thinking of purchasing the F4. I'm wondering with the plus 4, are you able to still see over the windshield when set to it's lowest position? I figure that this may not be the case since it's considerable taller. FYI, I'm 6'0.

[@cruisemansgarage]

At 6', you should have no trouble seeing over the F4+4

[@michaellabanowski1303]

Nice review Cruiseman. I enjoy your videos. Today I bought the clear 20" recurve for my 2020 GW Tour DCT based on your video. I also noticed that F4 Customs just moved to Puta Gorda, FL...just south of me in Tampa, and that they will start shipping orders again on May 4, 2020... Where were they located before?

[@cruisemansgarage]

You will love it!

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

Thanks for the windshield reviews, very informative!

[@JSmooth1967]

Where you get those gloves?

[@cruisemansgarage]

If you are referring to the white/black gloves, I got them at Cycle Gear.

[@JSmooth1967]

@@cruisemansgarage yes. Those gloves are awesome. I'm ordering me a pair today. Thanks

[@JSmooth1967]

Which brand are they?

[@cruisemansgarage]

I think it is their store brand.

[@michellavoie1714]

Is the F4 20 inches the same with as the 24 inches windscreen?

[@cruisemansgarage]

No, the 24 is wider (i think)

[@gnrands50]

Thank you for another excellent review, Chris. I bought the F4 for my 2018 based on your experience. The instructions with my windshield recommend putting an adhesive rubber bumper on each side winglet. I noticed that you did not do this. Did you have any issues with the F4 hitting the stock side winglets on your Goldwing?

[@cruisemansgarage]

When I received my F4 they shipped with small clear plastic strips for the winglets and I attached those. It did rub a little on the left winglet.

[@PigasusAlmighty]

Awesome review. Bought the 20" tinted based on this video.

[@etontheground-ETOTG]

Question - can you see through the 20” tinted good without any problem? Thinking about getting one. Any input is appreciated.

[@ostbob4108]

Sorry, but I just installed the 20" re-curve and although its better than the stock windshield it still sucks, especially for the price. Still has too much wind on the shoulders and across the chest. My shirt sleeves climbed all the way up my arms. Still had buffeting on the side of my helmet and wind noise. If I lowered it just barely enough to see over the top it was better than stock but still had buffeting. I'm 6'2" 230 lbs if that matters. I'm having upper wind deflectors installed next week but I believe all the wind is coming around the windshield cause its so high up my shoulders and chest and head. Very disappointed in the wind protection on this DCT.

[@cactusstudiossouth]

Very informative!

[@johnnone9083]

Great video on the windshields, but it would be nice if you would do one with a passenger on the bike. My wife complains that she gets more wind off my Goldwing trike than she does on our Harley trike. The passenger seat is higher on both bikes.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I will do that. I can tell you that my SO did not complain about wind on our ride to/from Nashville last August.

[@johnnone9083]

@@cruisemansgarage Which one of the F4 windshields did you have on the bike. The original factory one is so narrow on my 2018 trike compared to my 2009 GL1800.

[@cruisemansgarage]

@@johnnone9083 I have the F4+4, the largest one they make. Love it.

[@neilcollinson281]

I installed the same windshield on my 2019 bike. Great in all respects compared to stock, but with one exception - the edges of the windshield are not slightly rounded like the stock screen (or the Honda upper air deflectors). Instead the edges are sharp with machining/saw marks. I expected better on a shield at this price point.

[@chrislovett1637]

For the price they had better be the best damn windshield on the market.

[@cruisemansgarage]

They are.

[@chrislovett1637]

@@cruisemansgarage I think I’ll still put a Vstream on my 03. Have you tried one of those?

[@SmellingTheGrass]

Excellent review thankyou

[@cruisemansgarage]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@moridin555]

I'm 6' 3", and have the 20" F4 with recurve on my 2018 GW. With the shield all the way up, there is no way I can see over it unless I'm looking up towards the sky. Curious how at maximum height with the 20" you're saying you can easily see over the top. Not doubting you, just wondering how this is possible. Are you all torso? haha

[@cruisemansgarage]

Could be an inseam issue. Perhaps your legs are longer than mine. I have a 32" inseam.

[@jeffreyscoggins9825]

Various after market seats increase or decrease seat height. This may be a factor. ??? My Corbin pushed me back 1 1/2 inches and lowered me about 1 inch.

[@MrLew1965]

The more consumers dig into these Honda Gold Wing bikes, the more improvements people find that really should be options at the dealership or that the manufacturer just plainly cheaps out on !! Honda could make the perfect Touring motorcycle with a couple tweaks, options and quality control BUT ....????

[@johnbekkers5201]

why don't honda have this on the goldwing when you buy it

[@tjones2266]

Money!

[@philiptran5205]

Thank you Cruiseman...now I can make up my mind about this option even it is double the price of the other...:)

[@cruisemansgarage]

Trust me. It's worth the price.

[@cruisemansgarage]

These are the most expensive windscreens out there, but I can tell you, they are worth the price. I have paid $200 for other windshields that I had to replace after 18 months. In all my years of riding, I have never heard a negative comment about F4 Customs.

[@dougstoutenborough6461]

I do think these windshield are pricey..... I know the old cluesha if you can afford a $27K motorcycle don't complain about the price. I really was ready to order one but priced at $340-375 for now I can't justify one.

[@pechorin1975]

Sometimes it's worth paying for a product that really works...assuming the stock shield isn't working for you. I've had a couple bikes where I had so much trouble with buffeting that $350 to make the bike comfortable for long distances (Concours 14) would have sounded like a bargain.